Edith CHUKU
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Rivers State chapter, has raised concerns over flooding, waste management, local government finances, police brutality and political activities.
At its 10th congress held on Thursday, at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Port Harcourt, NUJ demanded the prosecution of police officers involved in the killing of the 22-year-old graduate of the University of Port Harcourt, Mr, who was shot dead by police officers along Agip Road, Port Harcourt.
The union insisted that dismissal from service should not replace criminal justice.
NUJ also warned journalists against political partisanship ahead of the 2027 elections, while demanding urgent government action on flooding, waste management and accountability in local government spending.
During its 10th congress, NUJ deliberated and reviewed developments affecting Journalists and the state, particularly issues relating to professionalism, security, education, flooding, waste management, local government finances, public order and the emerging political environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
These were contained in a communique by Mr Sunny A. Dada, Dr. Meg Deborah Enobun and Owunari Akoko, drafted on behalf of the union after exhaustive deliberations and thorough review of the issues.
On police brutality, NUJ noted the rising spate of police extortion, and brutality against innocent citizens in Port Harcourt and expressed concern over the gruesome murder of a young UNIPORT graduate along Agip Road, Port Harcourt without clear justification.
While acknowledging the reported disciplinary action and alleged dismissal of the officers alleged to have committed the murder from the Nigeria Police Force, Congress called on police authorities to swiftly prosecute the officers involved, stressing that dismissal from service should not replace criminal justice where evidence establishes culpability.
Congress further urged the police to provide clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident and demanded an accountable and professionalized police force.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, Congress offered its platform to the Rivers State Police command to enable the Commissioner of Police, regularly brief the people of Rivers State on security developments and other matters of public interest.
On Pamo University foreign scholarships,
“Congress deliberated the suspension of the budget for the Rivers State Medical Scholarship Programme with PAMO University from the new appropriation act by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“Members expressed concern over the attendant implications of the suspension for students already enrolled in the programme and its overall development in medical education in Rivers State.
“Congress therefore urged the Rivers State House of Assembly to reconsider the suspension, taking into consideration its potential impact on students, medical education and the broader development of human capital in the state.
“Congress further called on the Rivers State House of Assembly to provide clarity on the status of the scholarship programmes and ensure that students already benefiting from approved scholarship arrangements in PAMO University and other universities are not unnecessarily disadvantaged.”
Congress expressed concern over the persistent flooding experienced across parts of Rivers State and its impact on residents, businesses, transportation and livelihoods.
Congress called on the Rivers State Government to urgently commence comprehensive drainage rehabilitation across the state, while ensuring that existing drainage channels are properly opened, cleared and maintained.
Members further urged the government to prioritise drainage and flood-control infrastructure in the implementation of the recently approved state budget, given the recent warning by the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) that the state may experience flash flooding.
“Congress observed with concern the worsening environmental sanitation situation in parts of Rivers State, particularly the indiscriminate disposal of waste. While acknowledging that improper waste disposal by residents contributes to the problem, Congress noted that lack of modern waste collection and management systems also compound the challenge.
Congress therefore called on the Rivers State government and local government authorities to establish and sustain an effective, accountable and accessible waste-management system, including regular waste collection, designated disposal points and stronger enforcement of environmental sanitation regulations.
Congress also urged residents to take responsibility for proper waste disposal and desist from dumping refuse in drainage channels and other unauthorized locations.
“Congress notes the increasing allocations accruing to local governments from the Federation Account (FAAC) and stressed the need for adequate accountable management and deployment of the funds to critical development sectors that will improve the lives of rivers people in the various LGAs.
“To promote accountability and transparency in the management of the FAAC, Congress urged local government authorities to regularly disclose information on revenues received and expenditure undertaken, particularly in areas directly affecting residents, including roads, primary’s healthcare, education, sanitation, water and other basic services.
”Congress expressed serious concern over the increasing presence and activities of cultists and touts in different parts of Port Harcourt, particularly around Bus Stops, transport corridors and markets.
“Congress noted that the activities of such people can undermine public order, intimidate citizens, facilitate extortion and negatively affect the image and economic environment of Rivers State.
Congress therefore called on the Rivers State Government, local government authorities and security agencies to take decisive and lawful action to curb the activities of cultists and touts, while ensuring that enforcement operations respect the rights and dignity of citizens.
Congress noted the increasing political activities and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections and urged political actors across party lines to conduct themselves responsibly and peacefully.
Congress called on politicians and political parties to conduct their activities in accordance with the Electoral Act and other relevant constitutional provisions and avoid inflammatory rhetoric, intimidation, hate speech and actions capable of provoking violence.
Congress also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial, transparent and professional in the discharge of its responsibilities and to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
Congress reminded journalists and media organisations of their critical responsibility in shaping public understanding of the electoral process and urged them to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, neutrality, balance and conflict-sensitivity in their coverage of political activities and the 2027 electoral process.
Congress particularly frowned at the open alignment with political parties by some journalists who ought to be neutral and balanced and cautioned against the publication or broadcast of unverified information, inflammatory statements, hate speech and content capable of escalating political tensions.
Congress while reaffirming its commitment to promoting accountability, good governance, human rights, peace, professional journalism and the public interest, called on the Rivers State Government, local government authorities, security agencies, political actors and citizens to work collectively towards building a safer, cleaner, more accountable and inclusive Rivers State.
